Help me tackle women’s homelessness

If you run a business, please expect to receive an email from me in the coming weeks. 

I’m fired up. 

Wednesday 3^rd May was the Candlelight Vigil with Safe Steps. An evening of reflection and remembrance to honour those who have lost their life by domestic and family violence.

In 2022, one woman was killed every 6 days. Over the past decade, one woman has been killed a week, and one child killed a fortnight due to domestic violence.  (Sourced from Safe Steps via ABS). I’m not clear if these statistics include women who have commit suicide due to DV.  Either way, these statistics are unacceptable. 

Domestic Violence is also a leading cause in the housing crisis for older women over 55.  Our grandmothers are forming the fastest growing demographic to experience homelessness in Australia.  This age group statistically have lower levels of superannuation and financial security due a life spent, and a career sacrificed to being homemakers.  We could also speak to the wage gap here too, but I am trying to limit my rant. 

The 2016 Census reported the percentage had jumped 31% since 2011.  In 2023, thanks to covid and the rising cost of living, the figures are not much better.  The statistic reports themselves admit that we don’t have all the data available.  Reports are only based on those who show up for help. 

In a recent contract I completed, I read a case study about a victim survivor of DV who escaped her home with no possessions and lived in a skip bin out the back of a restaurant and in public toilets for 6 months before she got help.  She was too ashamed to ask her extended family for help.  

Right now, there are Government Inquiry’s being conducted, Housing First projects being implemented.   but as someone in Government said to me; “Homelessness isn’t a sexy cause, it doesn’t get votes.”  (I am not of course saying this is Governments reality, just that the attitude was astonishing).

As someone 15 years off the 55 age mark, I don’t accept this. No-one should

My vision is to guide women and mums in business back into the workforce (or up the ladder) by helping them take control of the balance of power in their lives.  I want to help women be proactive, make a start early in life, to have their own voice and control.  To build a generation where the above statistics cease to exist and become a forgotten part of history. 

What my women need is for people to sponsor them. For every program you sponsor someone through, I pledge to match your donation in two ways:

1. I will provide one additional pro bono coaching session for a not-for-profit of your choosing; and
2. I will provide you personally (for use by yourself or your organization to gift to clients) with one free coaching session OR offer your business 20% off my 3-month program 

You can read more about our social impact policy here Refinished Business | Business Management

 One of my academic favourites; Porter’s 5 Forces Model helps businesses develop a framework for understanding competitive forces at work in an industry.  For me, the key takeaway was one simple thing.  A balance of bargaining power to determine if power, control and respect are equal or out of balance.  It is this interpretation of the model that I have been preaching since 2007. 

 

BALANCE OF BARGAINING POWER, CONTROL & RESPECT NEED TO BE EQUAL

NO MATTER WHO THE PLAYERS ARE.

 

So with respect to Michael Porter, my 5 forces for a good life are as follows

1. Work - Life balance
2. Equal power
3. Equal control
4. Equal respect (and self-respect)
5. Pure joy

 

Drop me a line and let me know your 5 forces.

Thanks for listening

Erin x  

If you or someone you know requires help:

Call 000 if in immediate danger

Safe Steps 1800 015 188

1800Respect 1800 737 732

 

Other Organisations;

White Ribbon Australia

Orange Door

Friends with Dignity

RizeUp Australia

Berry Street